Nyokodo, Dr. Nagai Takashi

 

Dr. Nagai Takashi (3 February 1908 – 1 May 1951) was a Catholic

physician specializing in radiology, an author, and a survivor of the

atomic bombing of Nagasaki. His subsequent life of prayer and service

earned him the affectionate title “saint of Urakami”.

 

Nyokodo, which is adjacent to the Takashi Nagai Memorial Hall, is

Dr. Takashi Nagai’s hospital room and study. This 2-tatami building was

built as a new home for the doctor, with the generosity of the people

of Urakami and fellow Catholics who were left penniless by the atomic

bombing.

The doctor named this building “Nyokodo,” meaning “Love your neighbor

as yourself,” and spent his later years here. Dr. Nagai fought the onslaught

of leukemia and worked hard to write even though he was bedridden.

From this room of just two tatami mats, the doctor continued to harass

the people of Urakami, writing novels such as “The Chains of the Rosary,

” “Leaving the Child,” “The River of Life,” and “The Bells of Nagasaki.

 

Massage for World Peace from Dr. Nagai

The person who pray for peace must not hide even needles, for a person

who possesses is not qualified to pray peace.